Clarinbridge’s Máire Connolly, one of just 15 athletes representing Team Ireland in the Special Olympics Winter Games taking place in Turin, Italy, has won the gold medal in her category.
Years of dedication, sacrifice, and long cross-country commutes culminated in a proud and unforgettable moment for Clarinbridge’s Máire Connolly as she marched with Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games opening ceremony in Turin, Italy.
The 21-year-old, accompanied by her parents, Bernadette (Ber ) and Mike, and younger brother Eoin, has spent the past five years making weekly trips from Galway to the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains to train. Now, she stands at the foot of the Alps, ready to take on the world.
A family hobby turned Olympic endeavour
Skiing has long been a family affair for the Connollys, with both Mike and Ber being avid skiers. Despite this grá for the slopes, Máire's love for skiing took more time to cultivate, stemming from the family's first skiing holiday a decade ago.
"We love to ski, and we decided 10 years ago that if we are going skiing, Máire is going skiing and we are going to ski as a family. We didn't want her to be left alone while we went skiing every year. While figuring out how to prepare Máire for the slopes, we heard about the Special Olympics ski club which was near Dublin in Kilternan, so we went up and met Eddie and Kathleen, who run the club, and that was that."
Following advice from Eddie and Kathleen, Ber and Mike opted to go on holiday at a resort in St Johann, Austria where Máire enjoyed her first foray onto the snowy slopes supported by a 'very kind' instructor named Barbara.
From there, her love for the sport grew, and training became a dedicated part of family life.
To hone her skills, Máire has spent years traveling with her parents to Kilternan on the Dublin-Wicklow border, where she trains on dry slopes. The commitment is immense—every second Thursday, they set off around 2 pm, not returning home until nearly 9 pm.
“It’s what we wanted for her,” said her father, Mike. “She enjoys it—though she might not always admit it. We’re incredibly proud of her."
Máire with her father, Mike, brother Eoin and mother, Ber Connolly.
Overcoming Challenges and achieving Greatness
Competing was never the original plan. But Máire’s determination and work ethic have taken her beyond anything her family imagined. And skiing isn’t her only talent—she also won four artistic gymnastics medals at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games in Berlin.
“She does all the hard work,” Ber said. “She wears the boots, she pushes through when it matters. For someone like Máire, things don’t always come easy—she has to work ten times harder. Her younger brother, Eoin, finds things naturally easier, but Máire never gives up. That’s what makes us so proud.”
"We are super proud of her because out of all the things she does, skiing is hard work. Even off the slopes, she has been going up and down to Kilternan once a week, and that is a hard trip.
"It is hard to get proficient at skiing and Máire has done well to stick at it and work at it and we are very proud of her."
Flying the flag for Ireland
Máire is one of 14 athletes representing Ireland at the Games, competing in alpine skiing and floorball. Each competitor is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the incredible support of the Special Olympics community.
For Máire, this is just another step on an extraordinary journey—one that has already inspired her family, her community, and countless others who believe in the power of perseverance.
"I just feel very, very proud of Máire and I feel like she has brought so much to our lives," said Ber.
"Very much so," agreed Mike.
"She has brought us to places where we would never have gone without her. I think children do that to you anyway, but she has brought us to really great places and we have met great people. She has also helped us to grow as people because Máire sees life differently. She has no filter, which may be a bit off putting to some at times," said Ber with a laugh, "But as her brother would say, she is the most honest person we know in terms of sharing her feelings and how she speaks and sees the world.
"There is no pulling the wool over her eyes, she keeps us all on the straight and narrow and she is just the funniest person."
The journey to Turin
Máire's path to representing Ireland in Italy was well earned following her gold wins at the Ireland games. Despite her success, Máire was 'too nervous' to take part in the Zoom call announcing the official Team Ireland draw.
"I didn't go on the Zoom call — my parents did and they gave me the news," shared Máire. "I was very excited."
While Máire is most looking forward to the skiing, she also says she is looking forward to the pasta and pizza awaiting her in Italy, as well as seeing the strong contingent of 15 family members who have journeyed to Italy to support her during the competition.
“I love food,” she admits. “And I can’t wait to meet up with my Team Ireland friends and have my family and cousins there to support me.” Maire has 15 family members traveling to cheer her on from the sidelines in Turin.
Years of work in the background
With 103 countries taking part in the Special Olympics Winter Games, millions of people across the globe will be tuning in to watch athletes from across the world compete in eight thrilling winter sports. While this attention is very welcome, it is important to note that such a competition would not be possible if not for the grassroots community training groups and volunteer trainers who dedicate much of their time to helping athletes like Máire succeed on the world stage.
"It is important for us to note that nothing like this could happen without the infrastructure and the training and clubs that are available on a grassroots level, a structure which is largely volunteer led," said Ryan Platts of Special Olympics Ireland.
"The games are the most outwardly visible expression of this work, but it's just the tip of the iceberg regarding the time and energy that goes into each game. Our athletes are supported by their communities and we are always trying to remind people that it is not just about games taking place every two years, it is very much a week in and week out endeavour on a local level.
"We are always looking for volunteers and athletes to take part in Special Olympics Ireland."
Offering a range of support services to athletes competing in the games and at home, these assistant programmes are just part of Special Olympics Ireland's ultimate goal of making the world a more inclusive place, empowering athletes to achieve lifelong goals, promoting awareness and fostering independence.
"I think it is fair to say that Máire is certainly succeeding in that sense, on both the ski slopes and personally," said Platts.
Those interested in participating in Special Olympics Ireland, be it as a competitor or as a volunteer, can learn more about local groups and the range of sports on offer by visiting specialolympics.ie
